Egypt’s green bean calendar has two layers: a fresh season tied to the mild winter, and a frozen (IQF) supply that runs all year. For importers, that means premium fine beans exactly when Europe has none, plus processing-grade frozen beans available any month. This guide sets out the Egyptian green beans export season and how to plan around it.

Quick answer: The Egyptian fresh green bean export season runs from about November to April (peak winter), counter-seasonal to Europe. Frozen / IQF beans are produced during the season and shipped year-round from cold storage. Growing is concentrated in the Nile Delta, Beheira, Ismailia and Nubaria. (Fresh peaks December–February; exact windows shift year to year with planting and weather.)

Fresh and frozen: two calendars

Fresh green beans are picked and shipped within the cool-season window, while frozen beans — produced from the same crop — are held at −18°C and released throughout the year. A frozen-bean buyer is not bound by the fresh season at all, so knowing which layer you’re buying from is the key to planning.

The Egyptian green beans export calendar

MonthFresh availabilityFrozen / IQF
Oct–NovSeason opensAvailable from storage
Dec–FebPeak fresh supply & qualityPeak freezing season
Mar–AprSeason winds downAvailable from storage
May–SepOut of fresh seasonYear-round supply from cold storage

Why the fresh timing matters for Europe

European green bean production is a summer crop, so from late autumn through early spring there is strong demand and little local supply. Egypt’s fresh fine beans fill exactly that winter gap for UK and EU retail — the structural advantage behind the trade.

Frozen: a year-round business

Because frozen and IQF beans are held at −18°C, Egyptian processors and exporters ship them in any month. For the EU and UK processing and foodservice industries, and for Russian and Gulf buyers, this year-round availability complements the fresh winter window.

Planning notes

  • Fresh programs: target the December–February peak for best quality and volume.
  • Frozen programs: order any month; for best pricing, contract around the peak freezing season (Dec–Feb).
  • Book early: the fresh fine-bean window is in high demand — confirm allocations ahead of peak.

Frequently asked questions

When are fresh Egyptian green beans available?

Roughly November to April, peaking December-February – counter-seasonal to Europe.

Are frozen Egyptian green beans available year-round?

Yes – frozen/IQF beans are produced during the season and shipped year-round from cold storage.

When is the peak season?

December to February, for both fresh quality and freezing volume.

Why do EU and UK buyers rely on Egyptian beans in winter?

European green beans are a summer crop, so Egypt’s winter fresh supply fills the off-season gap.

Do the windows change year to year?

Yes – planting and weather shift the dates, so confirm the program window with your supplier.

How to cite this page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Green Beans Export Season & Calendar.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-green-beans-export-season/

Sources

  • CBI / USDA FAS — EU and UK green bean import windows and counter-seasonal demand.
  • Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture; industry reporting — green bean harvest timing and growing regions.

This page is part of our Egyptian Green Bean Export Guide hub.

Plan your Egyptian green beans program with PEI Trade. Fresh winter fine beans and year-round frozen IQF supply to UK, EU, Gulf and Russian buyers, with full documentation and a tight cold chain. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com